How to Protect Your Business from Fires

Out of all of the natural catastrophes that could happen to your business, fires are some of the most common. That’s why every business owner needs to have a fire safety plan in place. By being prepared, you can minimize the damage caused by a fire and get your business up and running again as quickly as possible. Here are a few tips on how to protect your business from fires:

Have a Fire Safety Plan With All of Your Employees

Creating a fire safety plan is critical to protecting your business. Your plan should include evacuation routes, designated meeting places, and a list of who is responsible for certain tasks. Once you develop a plan, your next step is to make sure that all of your employees are familiar with it. As part of new employees' onboarding process, include a review of the fire safety plan. Additionally, make sure that your fire safety plan and evacuation routes are hung up throughout your business and office space so that they are accessible for all employees. In addition, there are now smart smoke detectors that can send alerts to your phone, meaning your business is protected from undetected fire even if you or your employees aren't there, if you look up vivint price you can price out this type of protection.

Make Sure You Have the Right Fire Extinguishers

A Houston fire extinguisher service can make sure that you have the right type and number of fire extinguishers for your business. The type of fire extinguisher you need will depend on the types of materials that are burning. For example, a Class A fire extinguisher is suitable for fires involving paper, wood, and other ordinary combustibles. Class B fires, which are caused by flammable liquids such as gasoline and oil, require a different type of extinguisher. Class C fires involve electrical equipment and require an extinguisher that will not conduct electricity. Most businesses either have ABC or BC fire extinguishers, but it’s important to know which types of fires pose risks to your business so that you can have the right extinguishers on hand.

Have Routine Fire Inspections

Depending on the industry you work in, you may be required to have routine fire inspections. Even if you’re not required by law, it’s a good idea to have an annual or semi-annual fire inspection conducted by the local fire department or a professional fire safety company.

During an inspection, the inspector will look for potential fire hazards and make sure that your fire extinguishers are up to date. They will also review your evacuation routes and make sure that they are still accessible and clear of any obstructions.

Inform Employees of Best Practices

In addition to having a fire safety plan in place, it’s also important to educate your employees on best practices for preventing fires. For example, if you own a food service business, employees should be trained on how to properly use and maintain cooking equipment. They should also know what to do if they see a fire starting.

If you have a warehouse, employees should be trained on how to properly use and store flammable liquids and solids. If you work in an office, employees should know how to properly use and maintain electrical equipment.

By following these tips, you can protect your business from fires. The most important thing to remember is to have a fire safety plan in place and to make sure that all of your employees are familiar with it.